JP2002237815A - Network system, method of operating network, intermediate module, terminal equipment, information recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system, etc., that can perform control, etc., on terminal equipment and an information processor, etc., connected to the equipment from an intermediate device side even when no operator exists at the installed location of the terminal equipment. SOLUTION: In a network system S including an intermediate server LS which is interposed between the Internet IN and terminal equipment T to mediate the connection from the equipment T to the Internet IN, the server LS requests the establishment of the connection between the equipment T and server LS and, at the same time, transmits a request signal containing identification information that identifies the server LS to the terminal equipment T. The terminal equipment T receives the transmitted request signal, confirms the server LS based on the identification information contained in the request signal, and establishes the connection with the server LS which transmits the request signal when the equipment T confirms that the server LS is the intermediate server LS to be connected with the equipment T.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of a network system, a network operation method, a mediation module and a terminal device, and an information recording medium and a program, and more specifically, information between a mediation module and a terminal device. System and an operation method thereof, the mediation module and the terminal device, and an information recording medium and a program for operating the network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has become common to exchange information between information processing apparatuses connected by a network such as the Internet. At this time, a personal computer or the like installed in a general home or the like is used. In order to connect a terminal device to the network, a connection is first established between the terminal device and an intermediary device in an intermediary such as a so-called Internet service provider, and the terminal device is further connected via the intermediary device. Connected to the network.

In this case, the connection between the mediation device and the terminal device is conventionally established by first trying to connect to the mediation device from the terminal device side (so-called dial-up) and thereby establishing a connection between the network and the mediation device. A connection including a terminal device was to be established.

[0004]

However, according to the above-described conventional connection establishment method, unless the terminal device actively tries to establish a connection via the mediation device, the terminal device and the mediation device or the network are not connected. Is not connected, and therefore, when there is no operator operating the terminal device at the place where the terminal device is installed, the terminal device is connected to the mediation device or the network to connect the terminal device. However, there is a problem in that it is impossible to perform various processes.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is that even if the operator is not present at the place where the terminal device is installed at all, the terminal device is not required. System that can perform processing such as controlling the device and the information processing device connected thereto from the mediation device side, an operation method thereof, the mediation device and terminal device, and a program for operating the network system And an information recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 intervenes between a network and a terminal device and mediates a connection from the terminal device to the network. In a network system including an intermediary module such as an intermediary server and the terminal device, the intermediary module is a request signal requesting that an information transmission enabled state be established between the terminal device and the intermediary module. A request signal transmitting means such as a management server for transmitting a request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the transmitted request signal. And the like, based on the identification information included in the received request signal,
Determining means such as a CPU for determining whether the terminal module that has transmitted the request signal is the relay module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to connect,
When the relay module that has transmitted the request signal is determined by the determination unit to be the relay module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to be connected, the relay module that has transmitted the request signal And an establishment means such as a CPU for establishing the information transmission enabled state between the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

Accordingly, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and when the terminal device determines that the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, Since the information transmission enabled state is established with the mediation module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the terminal device and the information connected thereto Information can be transmitted to a processing device or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the first aspect, the intermediation module includes a terminal device other than the terminal device and the intermediation module. When a request to connect the terminal device to be connected to the network via the network is made from the other terminal device via the network, the other terminal device is properly connected to the mediation module. Identification means such as a management server for identifying whether or not another terminal device to be connected, and when the information transmission enabled state is established between the mediation module and the terminal device, the terminal device and Connection means such as a management server for connecting to the other terminal device. When it identified in the identifying means as the other terminal devices to be connected to Le, and outputs the request signal to the terminal device so as to establish said information transmission state.

Therefore, when a connection request to the terminal device is made from a terminal device other than the terminal device connected to the mediation module, the connection with the terminal device is established via the mediation module. Enables information transmission between another terminal device and the terminal device connected to the mediation module, even if there is no operator operating the terminal device connected to the terminal device be able to.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the second aspect, the other terminal device includes an information processing device connected to the terminal device. The other terminal device for remote operation, and configured to execute the process for the remote operation when the other terminal device and the terminal device are connected by the connection unit.

Therefore, when the other terminal device and the terminal device connected to the mediation module are connected via the mediation module, the other terminal device performs a process for remote control, so that the mediation is performed. Even if there is no operator of the terminal device connected to the module, the information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from another terminal device. Can be operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the third aspect, the information processing device is an information recording device that records information on a recording medium. The other terminal device is configured to execute the remote operation for at least setting a time at which the information recording device starts a process of recording the information.

Therefore, since the other terminal device performs a remote operation for at least setting the time at which the information recording device starts the information recording process, the terminal device connected to the mediation module operates the remote operation. Even when the user is completely absent, the recording process in the information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from another terminal device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the first aspect, the management module stores the distribution information to be distributed to the terminal device. Storage means such as
After the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the terminal device is in a state capable of distributing the distribution information based on a status signal transmitted from the terminal device. Determination means such as a management server for determining whether or not, when the terminal device is determined to be in a state capable of delivery of the delivery information, delivery means such as a management server for delivering the delivery information, The terminal device further comprises: a status signal transmitting unit such as a CPU for transmitting the status signal indicating whether or not the terminal device can receive the distribution information to the mediation module; and the distributed distribution. And distribution information receiving means such as a line interface for receiving information.

[0015] Therefore, after an information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, it is determined whether the terminal device is in a state where distribution information can be distributed,
When the terminal device is determined to be in a state where the distribution information can be distributed, the distribution information is distributed. Therefore, even if the terminal device is completely absent from the terminal device, the distribution from the mediation module is not performed. Distribution information can be distributed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system according to the first aspect, wherein the mediation module performs a function of an information processing device connected to the terminal device. Transmitting the update information to the terminal device after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, and update information storage means such as a management server for storing update information for updating; The terminal device further includes an update information transmitting unit such as a management server, and the terminal device further includes an update information receiving unit such as a line interface for receiving the transmitted update information, and the update information receiving unit. Updating means such as a CPU for updating the function of the information processing apparatus.

Therefore, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the update information is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device that has received the update information uses the received update information to transmit the information. Since the function of the processing device is updated, even when there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the update information is distributed from the mediation module and the function of the information processing device using the same is updated. be able to.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the first aspect, the information processing device connected to the terminal device has a failure. When a failure signal indicating that the failure signal has been transmitted from the terminal device, failure signal receiving means such as a management server that receives the failure signal, and after the failure signal is received, the terminal device and the mediation module After the information transmission enabled state is established between, the result signal transmission means such as a management server for diagnosing a failure state of the information processing device based on the failure signal and transmitting diagnosis result information to the terminal device, And the terminal device transmits a failure signal indicating a failure state of the information processing device to the mediation module. And transmitting means, the result signal receiving means of the line interface or the like for receiving the diagnosis result information,
A failure processing unit such as a CPU that performs processing for the information processing apparatus that has failed based on the received diagnosis result information.

Therefore, after the failure signal is received from the terminal device and the information transmission possible state is established between the terminal device and the relay module, the failure state of the information processing device is diagnosed based on the failure signal. And transmits the diagnostic result information to the terminal device, and the terminal device performs processing on the failed information processing device based on the received diagnostic result information. Therefore, no operator of the terminal device operates the information processing device. Even in the case of, the distribution of the diagnosis result information from the mediation module and the processing for the failure of the information processing apparatus using the same can be performed.

[0020] In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 8 is the mediation module included in the network system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the request signal transmission is performed. It is configured to include at least means.

Therefore, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device. When the terminal device determines that the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, the request signal is transmitted to the terminal device. Since the information transmission enabled state is established with the mediation module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the terminal device and the information connected thereto By enabling information transmission with a processing device or the like, various processes for the terminal device can be executed mainly by the mediation module side.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the terminal device included in the network system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the receiving unit includes: , The determination means and the establishment means.

Therefore, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and when the terminal device determines that the mediation module transmitting the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, Since the information transmission enabled state is established with the mediation module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the terminal device and the information connected thereto By enabling information transmission with a processing device or the like, various processes for the terminal device can be executed mainly by the mediation module side.

[0024] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a tenth aspect is provided.
The present invention provides a network operation method executed in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device. A request signal for requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the relay module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the relay module to the terminal device. A mediation method executed in the mediation module including a signal transmission step, a reception step of receiving the transmitted request signal, and the request signal based on the identification information included in the received request signal. The terminal device that has received the request signal from the mediation module that has transmitted A determining step of determining whether or not the relay module is an intermediate module; and determining by the determination unit that the relay module that transmitted the request signal is a relay module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to be connected. And a terminal processing method executed in the terminal device, including: an establishment step of establishing the information transmission enabled state with the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal when the request signal is transmitted.

Therefore, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and when it is determined that the mediation module that transmitted the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, the request signal is transmitted to the terminal device. Since the information transmission enabled state is established with the mediation module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the terminal device and the information connected thereto Information can be transmitted to a processing device or the like.

[0026] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to claim 11.
In the network operation method according to claim 10, wherein the mediation method includes a terminal device other than the terminal device and the terminal device to be connected to the network via the mediation module. When a request to connect is made from the other terminal device via the network, it is determined whether the other terminal device is another terminal device to be properly connected to the mediation module. Identification step of identifying, when the information transmission enabled state is established between the mediation module and the terminal device,
A connection step of connecting the terminal apparatus and the other terminal apparatus, and in the request signal transmitting step, another terminal apparatus in which the other terminal apparatus is to be properly connected to the mediation module. When the information is identified in the identification step, the request signal is output to the terminal device to establish the information transmission enabled state.

Therefore, when a connection request to the terminal device is made from a terminal device other than the terminal device connected to the mediation module, the connection with the terminal device is established via the mediation module. Enables information transmission between another terminal device and the terminal device connected to the mediation module, even if there is no operator operating the terminal device connected to the terminal device be able to.

[0028] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a twelfth aspect of the present invention is described.
According to the invention described in the above, in the network operation method according to claim 11, the other terminal device is the other terminal device for remotely operating an information processing device connected to the terminal device, When the other terminal device is connected to the terminal device in the connection step, the terminal device is configured to execute a process for the remote operation.

Therefore, when another terminal device and a terminal device connected to the mediation module are connected via the mediation module, the other terminal device executes a process for remote control, so that mediation is performed. Even if there is no operator of the terminal device connected to the module, the information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from another terminal device. Can be operated.

[0030] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is described.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information recording apparatus that records information on a recording medium, and the other terminal apparatus is configured to store the information in the information recording apparatus. The remote operation for at least setting the time at which the recording process is started.

Therefore, since the other terminal device performs a remote operation for at least setting a time at which the information recording device starts the information recording process, the terminal device connected to the mediation module operates the remote operation. Even when the user is completely absent, the recording process in the information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from another terminal device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is directed to claim 14.
In the network operation method according to claim 10, the mediation method includes: a storage step of storing distribution information to be distributed to the terminal device in a storage unit; and a communication step between the terminal device and the mediation module. A determination step of determining whether or not the terminal device is in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed based on a state signal transmitted from the terminal device after the information transmission enabled state is established between A distribution step of distributing the distribution information when the terminal device is determined to be in a state capable of distributing the distribution information;
And further comprising, the terminal processing method, a status signal transmitting step of transmitting the status signal indicating whether the terminal device can receive the distribution information to the mediation module,
A distribution information receiving step of receiving the distributed distribution information.

Therefore, after the information transmission possible state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, it is determined whether or not the terminal device is in a state where distribution information can be distributed,
When the terminal device is determined to be in a state where the distribution information can be distributed, the distribution information is distributed. Therefore, even if the terminal device is completely absent from the terminal device, the distribution from the mediation module is not performed. Distribution information can be distributed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is applied to claim 15.
In the network operation method according to claim 10, the mediation method includes an update information accumulation step of accumulating update information for updating a function of an information processing device connected to the terminal device. After the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, after the update information transmission step of transmitting the update information to the terminal device, and further, the terminal processing method,
It is configured to further include an update information receiving step of receiving the transmitted update information, and an update step of updating the function of the information processing device using the received update information.

Therefore, after an information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the update information is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device that has received the update information uses the received update information to transmit information. Since the function of the processing device is updated, even when there is no operator who operates the terminal device at all, the update information is distributed from the mediation module and the function of the information processing device using the same is updated. be able to.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is applied to claim 16.
In the network operation method according to claim 10, in the network operation method according to claim 10, the failure signal indicating that the information processing device connected to the terminal device has failed has been transmitted from the terminal device. When the failure signal receiving step of receiving the failure signal, after the reception of the failure signal, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, based on the failure signal Diagnosing a failure state of the information processing apparatus, and transmitting a diagnosis result information to the terminal apparatus, and transmitting a result signal to the terminal apparatus. A failure signal transmitting step of transmitting a signal to the mediation module; a result signal receiving step of receiving the diagnosis result information; and a failure based on the received diagnosis result information. A failure processing step of performing processing on the information processing apparatus that, further configured to include.

Therefore, after the failure signal is received from the terminal device and the information transmission possible state is established between the terminal device and the relay module, the failure state of the information processing device is diagnosed based on the failure signal. And transmits the diagnostic result information to the terminal device, and the terminal device performs processing on the failed information processing device based on the received diagnostic result information. Therefore, no operator of the terminal device operates the information processing device. Even in the case of, the distribution of the diagnosis result information from the mediation module and the processing for the failure of the information processing apparatus using the same can be performed.

[0038] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a seventeenth aspect is provided.
The invention described in (1) is an intermediation module included in the intermediation module in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device. A request signal for requesting the computer to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module is transmitted to the terminal device. An intermediation program for causing the intermediary computer to function as a request signal transmitting unit is recorded so as to be readable by the intermediary computer.

Therefore, since the mediation computer functions to transmit a request signal from the mediation module to the terminal device, it is assumed that the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined, by establishing an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, even if there is no operator of the terminal device at all, the terminal Information can be transmitted between the device and an information processing device or the like connected to the device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus.
The invention described in is a network system that includes an intermediary module that intervenes between a network and a terminal device and mediates a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, wherein the intermediation module is A network for transmitting to the terminal device a request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module; Receiving means for receiving the transmitted request signal, a terminal computer included in the terminal device in the system, and the mediation transmitting the request signal based on the identification information included in the received request signal. The module is an intermediary module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to connect. Judging means for judging whether, and,
When the relay module that has transmitted the request signal is determined by the determination unit to be the relay module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to be connected, the relay module that has transmitted the request signal A terminal processing program for functioning as an establishing means for establishing the information transmission enabled state between the terminal computer and the terminal computer is recorded so as to be readable by the terminal computer.

Accordingly, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and when it is determined that the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, the request signal is transmitted to the terminal device. Since the terminal computer functions to establish an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator of the terminal device at the terminal device side, the terminal device is And information transmission with an information processing device or the like connected thereto.

[0042] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a nineteenth aspect is provided.
The invention described in (1) is an intermediation module included in the intermediation module in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device. A mediation program for causing a computer to function, and a request signal for requesting the mediation computer to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, and identifying the mediation module. For transmitting a request signal including identification information for the terminal device to the terminal device.

Therefore, the mediation computer functions to transmit the request signal from the mediation module to the terminal device, so that the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device. When it is determined, by establishing an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, even if there is no operator of the terminal device at all, the terminal Information can be transmitted between the device and an information processing device or the like connected to the device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a twentieth aspect is provided.
The invention described in is a network system that includes an intermediary module that intervenes between a network and a terminal device and mediates a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, wherein the intermediation module is A network for transmitting to the terminal device a request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module; A terminal processing program for causing a terminal computer included in the terminal device to function in a system, the terminal computer comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive the transmitted request signal; Based on the identification information, the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal Determining means for determining whether or not the terminal device which has received the request signal is a relay module to be connected; and the relay module which has transmitted the request signal by the determination in the determination means receives the request signal. When the terminal device is determined to be an intermediary module to be connected, the terminal device is configured to function as an establishing unit that establishes the information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal. You.

Accordingly, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and when it is determined that the mediation module that transmitted the request signal is the mediation module to be connected to the terminal device, the request signal is transmitted to the terminal device. Since the terminal computer functions to establish an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the signal, even if there is no operator of the terminal device at the terminal device side, the terminal device is And information transmission with an information processing device or the like connected thereto.

[0046]

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In each of the embodiments described below, a network such as the Internet, which is configured by a wired or wireless connection, and a connection terminal as a terminal connected to another computer or the like via the network. In a network system including an intermediary module interposed between and intermediating the connection to the network from the connection terminal, and a house in which the connection terminal is installed, the connection terminal and devices connected thereto are externally connected. This is an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to a case of remote control or the like.

(I) Overall Configuration First, the configuration and operation of a network system common to each embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system.

As shown in FIG. 1, a network system S according to each embodiment includes a mobile phone terminal MB connected to an Internet server IS owned by a mobile phone carrier via a radio wave, and a connection to the Internet IN. A personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) connected via a telephone line L to an Internet provider ISP owned by a provider.
It is simply called a personal computer. ) PC and Internet IN
The Internet server IS and the Internet provider ISP separately connected to the Internet IN via the dedicated line SL, the Internet IN, and the mediation module connected to the Internet IN via the dedicated line SL. Mediation server LS, a connection terminal T connected to the mediation server LS via the telephone line L, and a serial bus IL to the connection terminal T.
AV (Audio Visua) connected serially via
l) Devices AV1 and AV2.

At this time, the connection terminal T and the AV equipment AV
1 and AV2 are installed in one house HW, while the personal computer PC is installed in a company where the owner of the connection terminal T or the like works, and furthermore, the mobile phone terminal MB Is carried by the owner himself.

Next, the mediation server LS is connected to the Internet IN by a dedicated line SL, and prevents illegal information or computer virus from the Internet IN from flowing into the mediation server LS. The user who has made a connection request via the Internet IN is authenticated as to whether or not he / she is a legitimate connection person, and further confirms information passed therethrough and taken into the mediation server LS.
A firewall unit FW that performs storage and the like, which is connected to the firewall FW via a network N such as a local area network, and is connected to the connection terminal T via the telephone line L; A request signal transmitting unit, an identifying unit, a connecting unit, a storing unit, a determining unit, a distributing unit, an update information storing unit, an update information transmitting unit, a failure signal receiving unit, and a result which collectively perform management processing as an intermediary server LS described later. And a management server MS as a signal transmission means.

Further, the connection terminal T is connected to the connection terminal T.
A line interface 1 serving as a receiving unit, a distribution information receiving unit, an update information receiving unit, a failure signal transmitting unit, and a result signal receiving unit for connecting itself to the mediation server LS via the telephone line L; A CPU 2 as a determination unit, an establishment unit, a status signal transmission unit, an update unit, and a failure processing unit for centrally controlling the process, and a volatile memory 3 for temporarily storing information necessary for the process. A non-volatile ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a control program and the like necessary for the processing.
4, a control unit 5 that assists the CPU 2 to control each component in the connection terminal T, an input unit 6 such as a keyboard used for inputting information to the connection terminal T, and the like, according to an embodiment described later. A program storage unit 7 in which a connection server program (software) for executing the processing is readablely stored, and a non-volatile hard disk that readablely records a large amount of information required for performing the processing. Hard disk drive (Hard
Disc drive) 8, a display unit 9 for displaying information necessary for executing the above processing, and an external interface unit 10 for connecting the AV device AV1 to the connection terminal T by the serial bus IL. Have been. At this time, the above-mentioned respective constituent members constituting the connection terminal T are connected so that information can be mutually exchanged via the bus 11.

Then, in the house HW, AV equipment AV1 composed of an audio system or a video system or the like.
And AV2 are connected to the connection terminal T by the serial bus IL.
Connected through.

Next, processing according to the embodiment executed in the network system S having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

(II) Embodiment of Initial Registration First, the initial registration process executed when the owner of the connection terminal T purchases the AV equipment AV1 or AV2 to be used by connecting to the connection terminal T will be described. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the initial registration process.

Here, the initial registration process described below
After purchasing the AV device AV1 or AV2, the mediation server L
S is a process for performing initial registration necessary for executing a failure diagnosis process or an automatic update process, etc., described below, for the AV device AV1 or AV2 from S.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the initial registration process of the embodiment, first, the newly purchased AV equipment AV1
Alternatively, AV2 is connected to the connection terminal T via the serial bus IL, and the connection terminal T is connected via the telephone line L.
Is connected to the mediation server LS, and power is supplied to the AV device AV1 or AV2 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a registration target device) to be subjected to the initial registration process (step S1).

Next, a preset registration screen for performing initial registration is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the registration target device (step S2), and a registration number unique to the registration target device is displayed. Certain identification information and mediation server L
A password used when authenticating the registration target device from S is set on the registration screen, and a telephone number corresponding to the connection terminal T where the registration target device is installed and the above-described failure diagnosis process are performed. Enter the credit number used for paying the expenses on the registration screen (step S
3).

After the above-described information is input, the registration target device is connected to the relay server LS for registering the registration target device via the connection terminal T via the telephone line L and the input information is transferred to the relay server LS. The initial registration process is performed by transmitting the information to the LS (step S4).

Thereafter, step S
When the confirmation information for confirming the registered contents transmitted in 4 is returned (step S5), the confirmation information is written in the registration target device, so that the above-described failure diagnosis processing and the like can be executed.

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the initial registration processing has been normally performed (step S6). If the initial registration processing has not been completed normally (step S6; NO), the process returns to step S2 again and repeats the above processing. On the other hand, if the processing has been completed normally (step S6; YES), the telephone line L
(Step S7), and terminates the initial registration process according to the embodiment.

(III) Embodiment of Automatic Connection Processing Next, in a state where the operator is absent in the house HW,
A user who operates the mobile phone terminal MB or the personal computer PC (hereinafter, simply referred to as mobile phone terminal MB or the like) connects to the connection terminal T from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like via the Internet IN and connects to the connection terminal T. A connected to
The automatic connection process of the embodiment in which the V equipment AV1 and the like can be operated will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure (processing order) of the automatic connection processing, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the automatic connection processing.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the automatic connection process according to the embodiment, first, a user inputs an Internet server I via a radio wave or a telephone line L from a portable telephone terminal MB or the like.
S or connect to the Internet provider ISP (step S10; see reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Next, after the connection to the Internet server IS or the Internet provider ISP, the connection is further made to the mediation server LS via the Internet IN (step S11, see reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Then, the mediation server LS receiving the connection
In order to confirm whether or not the user who made the connection is a user of a pre-registered AV device AV1 or the like,
A request to input the identification information and password used in the initial registration process from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like is returned to the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (step S12; see the reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Next, when an input screen for inputting identification information or the like in response to the request is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (step S13).
The user inputs the identification information and the password used at the time of the initial registration on the input screen, and transmits the contents again to the mediation server LS via the Internet IN (step S14; see the reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Then, the mediation server LS which has received the identification information and the like compares the received identification information and password with the identification information and password used at the time of the initial registration, and confirms whether or not they match ( Step S1
5) If they do not match (step S15; NO),
At this time, it is determined that the user connected to the mediation server LS is not a legitimate user, and the process returns to step S12 to repeat the input of identification information and the like, and repeats the series of processes described above. Are matched with each other (step S15; YES), a telephone connection is made to the telephone number of the connection terminal T registered at the time of initial registration via the telephone line L, and the connection terminal T The information indicating that the connection is requested is transmitted together with the identification information indicating the mediation server LS (step S16; see the reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Next, the connection terminal T that has received the call determines whether or not the transfer server LS that has made the call is a legitimate transfer server LS to which the connection terminal T is to be connected, based on the identification information. If the authentication is not confirmed (step S17; NO), it is recognized that an unauthorized connection request has been issued from the unauthorized mediation server to the connection terminal T, and the authentication is not performed. When the automatic connection processing is terminated and the authentication is confirmed (step S17; YES), the connection is recognized as a telephone connection and a connection request from the legitimate mediation server LS, and the mobile phone is connected via the mediation server LS. A process for connecting to the terminal MB or the like is executed between the mediation server LS and the mediation server LS (step S18; see reference numeral in FIG. 3).

Then, in the mediation server LS, the portable telephone terminal MB or the like connected in steps S14 and S15 and the connection terminal T connected in step S18 are connected to each other, and the portable telephone terminal By establishing a connection between the MB or the like and the connection terminal T, the connection terminal T and the AV equipment AV can be transmitted from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like.
1 and the like can be operated (step S19; see the reference numeral in FIG. 3), and the automatic connection process of the embodiment is ended.

(IV) Embodiment of Automatic Reservation Processing Next, as one of the remote operation processing executed in a state where the mobile phone terminal MB or the like and the connection terminal T are connected by the automatic connection processing described above, When the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the connection terminal T has a function as an information recording device capable of recording image information or the like, the AV device AV1 or A
The automatic reservation processing of the embodiment for reserving the operation of the recording function in V2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure (processing order) of the automatic reservation processing, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the automatic reservation processing, and FIG. 7 is a display screen used for the automatic reservation processing. It is a figure showing the example of.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the automatic connection processing according to the embodiment, first, the above-described series of automatic connection processing is executed, and the mobile phone terminal MB or the like and the connection terminal T are remotely connected.

Next, from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like, the connection terminal T
Request an input operation screen for the automatic reservation process (step S20; see reference numeral in FIG. 5).

As a result, the connection terminal T receiving the request
Confirms the operation state (whether or not remote control is possible) of each device connected to the connection terminal T based on the request (FIG. 5).
See sign. ), A device that can be remotely operated is extracted, and a selection screen indicating the device (that is, a selection screen for a user operating the mobile phone terminal MB or the like to select a device to be remotely controlled. For example, FIG. (Refer to the selection screen G1 shown in FIG. 1) and transmit it to the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (step S2).
1) Next, when a user operating the mobile phone terminal MB or the like selects a device to be subjected to automatic reservation processing based on the transmitted selection screen, identification information indicating the selected device is displayed on the connection terminal. T, and then the connection terminal T
The status information indicating the current reservation status of the selected device is returned to the mobile phone terminal MB or the like again. As a result, a reservation status display screen such as a status display screen G2 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (step S22).

Then, the user operating the mobile phone terminal MB or the like performs necessary reservation information input processing on the displayed reservation status display screen (see FIG. 7 (b)), and again connects to the connection terminal. The reservation information is transmitted to T (step S23; see reference numeral in FIG. 5).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not all the reservation information has been transmitted to the connection terminal T (step S24). If all the reservation information has been transmitted (step S24; YES), the process directly proceeds to the processing of step S29 described later. On the other hand, if all transmissions have not been completed yet (step S24; N
O) Next, the connection terminal T checks whether or not information that can be reserved by the AV device AV1 or AV2 is transmitted as the reservation information (step S25).
If the reservation information is not composed only of the information that can be reserved (step S25; NO), the process returns to step S21 again, and the connection status display screen for inputting the fact and the regular reservation information is displayed from the connection terminal T. Mobile phone terminal M
Retransmit to B etc.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the reservation information is composed only of the information that can be reserved (step S25; YES), the connection terminal T completes the reception of the reservation information and receives the reservation information. Completion information indicating completion is returned to the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (see reference numeral in FIG. 5), and a reservation process in the AV device AV1 or AV2 is executed using the received reservation information (reference numeral in FIG. 5). ), And returns the result information indicating the result of the execution of the reservation process to the mobile phone terminal MB or the like together with a display screen such as a result display screen G3 shown in FIG. 7C (step S26). A display screen is displayed on the mobile phone terminal MB or the like (step S2).
7). From the result display screen, the user operating the mobile phone terminal MB or the like can recognize that the automatic reservation process has been completed.

Then, the connection terminal T confirms whether or not information has been transmitted from the portable telephone terminal MB or the like indicating that the automatic reservation process has been completed and the connection with the connection terminal T is to be disconnected (step S28). If the information has not been transmitted (step S28; NO), it is determined that the automatic reservation process is to be continuously performed, and the process returns to step S20 again to repeat the above-described series of processes, while ending the automatic reservation process. When the information of the content has been transmitted (step S28; YES), the current connection is disconnected (step S29), and a series of automatic reservation processing ends.

(V) Embodiment of Automatic Distribution Processing Next, when the above-described mediation server LS and the connection terminal T are connectable, processing executed between the mediation server LS and the connection terminal T As an example, the connection terminal T has a function as an information storage device capable of storing image information and the like, and the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the connection terminal T stores the image information or the like. In the case where the connection terminal T has a function as an information recording device capable of storing the information, the image information to be stored in the connection terminal T is automatically transferred from the relay server LS to the connection terminal T (the connection terminal T itself is The automatic distribution process of the embodiment for distributing (even when the operating operator is absent in the house HW) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the automatic distribution process.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the automatic distribution process according to the embodiment, first, a connection is made from the mediation server LS to the connection terminal T via the telephone line L, and a connection request is issued to the connection terminal T. Then, information to the effect is transmitted together with the identification information indicating the mediation server LS (step S30).

Next, the connection terminal T receiving the call makes the above-mentioned identification information whether or not the transfer server LS that made the call is a legitimate transfer server LS to which the connection terminal T is to be connected. If the authentication is not confirmed (step S31; NO), it is recognized that the connection terminal T has received an unauthorized connection request from the unauthorized mediation server, and will be described later. If the authentication is confirmed (step S31; YES), it is recognized as a telephone connection from the legitimate mediation server LS, and the process for connecting to the mediation server LS is performed. The process is executed with the mediation server LS (step S32).

Then, if a connection has been established with the connection terminal T, it is next determined whether or not the image information and the like can be stored in the connection terminal T (more specifically, whether the connection terminal T has the connection information). It is confirmed from the mediation server LS whether or not a recording area capable of storing the image information or the like can be secured in T and whether or not the connection terminal T permits the storage (steps S33 and S34).

Next, if the storage is not possible in the determination of step S34 (step S34; NO), the distribution processing itself described below is impossible, so the process directly proceeds to step S39 described later, while the storage is possible. At this time (step S34; YES), the recording area for storing the image information and the like is opened in the connection terminal T and the distribution from the mediation server LS is waited (step S3).
5).

Then, distribution of image information and the like from the mediation server LS is started (step S36).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not all the image information and the like have been distributed (step S37), and if it has been completed (step S37; YES), the process directly proceeds to step S39 described later. If the distribution has not been completed (step S37; NO), it is checked whether or not the distribution has failed (step S38), and the distribution has failed and the number of failures is less than three consecutive times. (Step S38; YES), the process proceeds to step S36 to start distribution again. On the other hand, when the failure has continued three or more times (step S38; NO), the mediation server LS and the connection terminal T due to some failure. Then, assuming that the connection with the server is not in a favorable state, a termination process for terminating the automatic distribution process is executed (step S39), and a series of automatic distribution processes is terminated.

Here, as the end processing, specifically,
Distribution of image information and the like is completed (step S37; YE
S) If the processing shifts to the termination processing later, the telephone connection between the mediation server LS and the connection terminal T is cut off to terminate the automatic distribution processing. Is not authenticated (step S31; NO), and a recording area for storing image information or the like cannot be secured on the connection terminal T (step S3).
4; NO) or when the distribution failure occurs three times consecutively (step S38; NO),
Since the distribution of the image information and the like has not been completed, the fact is displayed using the display unit 9 on the connection terminal T, and a notification to that effect is provided from the mediation server LS side to the connection terminal T at a later date. This will be done for the user.

When the distribution to the connection terminal T has been completed normally, following the termination processing shown in FIG. 8, the distributed and accumulated image information and the like are transmitted to the AV equipment AV1 or AV1.
2 is executed in the house HW.

(VI) Embodiment of Automatic Update Processing Next, when the above-described mediation server LS and the connection terminal T are connectable, processing executed between the mediation server LS and the connection terminal T As another example, the update processing of various functions of the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the connection terminal T is automatically performed by the relay server LS via the connection terminal T (AV device AV1 or AV2 and The automatic update process of the embodiment performed even when the operator who operates the connection terminal T itself is absent in the house HW will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the automatic update process.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the automatic updating process according to the embodiment, first, information that a connection is made from the mediation server LS to the connection terminal T and that a connection request is made to the connection terminal T is provided. The information is transmitted together with the identification information indicating the mediation server LS (step S40).

Next, the connection terminal T that has received the call determines whether the transfer server LS that has made the call is a legitimate transfer server LS to which the connection terminal T is to be connected, based on the identification information. If the authentication is not confirmed (step S41; NO), the connection terminal T recognizes that the connection terminal T has received an unauthorized connection request from the unauthorized mediation server. When the automatic update process is completed, and the authentication is confirmed (step S41; YES), it is recognized as a telephone connection from the legitimate mediation server LS, and the process for connecting to the mediation server LS is performed. It is executed between the mediation server LS and the AV device AV1 or AV2 from the mediation server LS.
The update information for updating the function is distributed to the connection terminal T (step S42).
The connection between S and the connection terminal T is disconnected.

Then, in the connection terminal T and the AV equipment AV1 or AV2, the contents of the distributed update information are confirmed by displaying them or the like (step S44). As a result of the confirmation, the current function is performed using the update information. Is determined (step S45), and if not updated (step S45; NO), the process is terminated as it is, while if updated using the update information (step S45; YES), The update process is performed (step S
46) End a series of automatic update processing.

(VII) Embodiment of Failure Diagnosis Processing Next, when the above-described mediation server LS and the connection terminal T are connectable, processing executed between the mediation server LS and the connection terminal T As still another example of the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the connection terminal T,
The failure diagnosis process of the connection terminal T
FIG. 10 shows a failure diagnosis process according to an embodiment performed through
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the automatic update process.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the failure diagnosis processing of the embodiment, when a request is made to the relay server LS to perform a failure diagnosis by a method such as via the connection terminal T from the AV equipment AV1 or AV2. (Step S50) First, information indicating that a connection is made from the intermediary server LS to the connection terminal T and a connection request is made to the connection terminal T,
It is transmitted together with the identification information indicating the mediation server LS (step S51).

Next, the connection terminal T that has received the call determines whether or not the transfer server LS that has made the call is a legitimate transfer server LS to which the connection terminal T is to be connected, based on the identification information. The authentication is performed using a known authentication technology based on the authentication information (step S52). If the authentication cannot be confirmed (step S52; NO), the connection terminal T recognizes that an unauthorized connection request has been sent from the unauthorized mediation server to the connection terminal T, and remains unchanged. When the failure diagnosis process is completed and the authentication is confirmed (step S52; YES), it is recognized as a telephone connection from the legitimate mediation server LS, and a process for connecting to the mediation server LS is performed. It is executed between the mediation server LS and the AV device A by remote control from the mediation server LS.
Investigate the failure content of V1 or AV2 (step S5
3).

Then, based on the result of the investigation, it is determined whether or not a failure point having a failure content that can be repaired by remote control is found (step S54).
When a failure point that can be repaired by the remote operation is found (step S54; YES), the failure point is repaired by the remote operation based on the investigation result (step S55), and the failure diagnosis processing ends. I do.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that a failure location having a failure content that cannot be repaired by remote control is found (step S54; NO), the investigated failure content is replaced with the failure location. Recording is performed on a recordable area in the AV device AV1 or AV2 that the user has (step S56).

Then, the recorded failure content is displayed and confirmed by operating the AV equipment AV1 or AV2 having the failure location (step S57), and a series of failure diagnosis processing ends.

When the failure diagnosis processing is completed through the above step S57, that is, when a failure point that cannot be repaired by remote control is found, the failure content is confirmed separately based on the failure contents confirmed in the above step S57. A repair request or the like is made by a user who owns the AV device AV1 or AV2.

As described above, according to the processing in the network system S of each embodiment, the mediation server L
S transmits the connection request information to the terminal device T, and the relay server LS that has transmitted the connection request information in the terminal device T is connected to the relay server L to which the terminal device T should connect.
When it is determined to be S, a connection is established with the intermediary server LS that has transmitted the connection request information, so that even if there is no operator operating the terminal device T at all. , The terminal device T and A connected thereto
Information can be transmitted to and from the V equipment AV1 and the like.

When a connection request to the terminal device T is made from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like, the mediation server LS
Is established via the mobile phone terminal M even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device T connected to the mediation server LS.
It is possible to enable information transmission between B and the like and the terminal device T.

Furthermore, when the portable telephone terminal MB or the like and the terminal device T are connected via the mediation server LS, the portable telephone terminal MB or the like executes a process for remote control. Connected terminal device T
Even if there is no operator who operates it, the user can remotely control the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the terminal device T from the mobile phone terminal MB or the like.

Furthermore, since the portable telephone terminal MB or the like executes a remote operation for setting at least a reservation time at which information recording processing is started in the AV device AV1 or AV2, the terminal device T side operates the remote operation. Is completely absent even if the terminal device T
Can remotely control the recording process in the AV device AV1 or AV2 connected to the.

After the connection is established between the terminal device T and the mediation server LS, it is determined whether or not the terminal device T is in a state capable of distributing image information or the like. Distributes image information and the like when it is determined that the distribution is possible, so that even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device T at the terminal device T side, the mediation server LS
, Etc., can be delivered.

Further, after a connection is established between the terminal device T and the mediation server LS, the update information is transmitted to the terminal device T, and the terminal device T which has received the update information uses the received update information. Since the function of the AV device AV1 or AV2 is updated, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device T at all, the distribution of update information from the mediation server LS and the use of the AV device AV1 Or AV2
Function can be updated.

Further, after the terminal device T requests a repair of the failure and after the connection between the terminal device T and the mediation server LS is established, the AV device AV based on the failure request.
The terminal device T diagnoses the failure state of the AV device 1 or AV2 and transmits the diagnostic result information to the terminal device T.
1 or AV2, the distribution of the diagnosis result information from the mediation server LS and the AV equipment AV1 or AV2 using the same even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device T at all. Can be processed for the failure of

Note that FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9
Alternatively, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is recorded on an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, and is read and executed by a general-purpose microcomputer or a personal computer. It is also possible to function as one of the above-described mediation server LS and connection terminal T.

[0110]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal is transmitted from the terminal device to the terminal device. When it is determined that the device is an intermediary module to be connected, an information transmission enabled state is established with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, and there is no operator operating the terminal device at all. Even in such a case, information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device or the like connected to the terminal device.

Therefore, even when the operator is not present at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as controlling the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto from the mediation module can be performed. It becomes possible.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, when a connection request to the terminal device is made from another terminal device other than the terminal device connected to the mediation module, the connection with the terminal device is established via the mediation module Therefore, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal connected to the mediation module, there is no information between the other terminal and the terminal connected to the mediation module. Transmission can be enabled.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 2
In addition to the effect of the invention described in the above, when another terminal device and a terminal device connected to the mediation module are connected via the mediation module, the other terminal device performs a process for remote operation. Since it is executed, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device connected to the mediation module at all, another terminal device is connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module. The information processing device can be remotely controlled.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 3,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in the above, since the other terminal device performs a remote operation for at least setting the time at which the information recording device starts the information recording process, the terminal device connected to the mediation module side Even if there is no operator who operates it, the recording process in the information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from another terminal device.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, it is determined whether the terminal device is in a state where distribution information can be distributed. When the terminal device is determined to be in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed, the distribution information is distributed. Therefore, even if the terminal device is completely absent from the mediation module, Distribution information can be distributed.

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the update information is transmitted to the terminal device, and further, the received update is transmitted to the terminal device that has received the update information. Since the function of the information processing apparatus is updated using the information, even if there is no operator of the information processing apparatus on the terminal device side, the distribution of the update information from the mediation module and the information processing apparatus using the same Function can be updated.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, after receiving the failure signal from the terminal device and after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the information processing device based on the failure signal Diagnoses the failure state of the terminal device and transmits the diagnostic result information to the terminal device, and the terminal device performs processing for the failed information processing device based on the received diagnostic result information. Even when the user is completely absent, the distribution of the diagnosis result information from the mediation module and the processing for the failure of the information processing apparatus using the same can be performed.

According to the invention of claim 8, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined that there is, the information transmission enabled state is established with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, so that even if there is no operator who operates it on the terminal device side, the Information can be transmitted between the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto, and various processes for the terminal device can be mainly performed by the mediation module side.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module transmitting the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined that there is, the information transmission enabled state is established with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, so that even if there is no operator who operates it on the terminal device side, the Information can be transmitted between the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto, and various processes for the terminal device can be mainly performed by the mediation module side.

According to the tenth aspect, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined that there is, the information transmission enabled state is established with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, so that even if there is no operator who operates it on the terminal device side, the Information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device or the like connected thereto.

Therefore, even if the operator is absent at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as controlling the terminal device and the information processing device connected to the terminal device from the mediation module can be performed. It becomes possible.

According to the invention set forth in claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention set forth in claim 10, a connection request to the terminal device from another terminal device other than the terminal device connected to the mediation module is provided. When this is done, the connection with the terminal device is established via the mediation module, so that even if there is no operator operating the terminal device connected to the mediation module at all, other terminals Information can be transmitted between the device and a terminal device connected to the mediation module.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the eleventh aspect, another terminal device and a terminal device connected to the mediation module are connected via the mediation module. When this is done, the other terminal device executes the process for remote operation, so even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device connected to the mediation module, the other The information processing device connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module can be remotely controlled from the terminal device.

According to the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the twelfth aspect, at least a time at which another terminal device starts information recording processing in the information recording device is set. Since the remote operation is performed, even if there is no operator who operates the terminal device connected to the mediation module, the terminal device is connected to the terminal device connected to the mediation module from another terminal device. It is possible to remotely control the recording process in the information processing apparatus.

According to the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module,
The terminal device determines whether or not the terminal device is in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed, and distributes the distribution information when the terminal device is determined to be in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed. Even if there is no operator who operates the information, the distribution information can be distributed from the mediation module.

According to the fifteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the update information is transmitted to the terminal. Since the function of the information processing device is updated using the received update information in the terminal device that transmits the information to the device and further receives the information, even if there is no operator of the information device on the terminal device side, In addition, it is possible to distribute update information from the mediation module and update the function of the information processing apparatus using the update information.

According to the sixteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, information transmission between the terminal device and the mediation module after the reception of the failure signal from the terminal device. After the possible state is established, the failure state of the information processing device is diagnosed based on the failure signal, the diagnosis result information is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device fails based on the received diagnosis result information. Since the processing for the information processing device is performed, even if the operator who operates the terminal device is completely absent, the distribution of the diagnosis result information from the mediation module and the failure of the information processing device using the same are performed. Processing can be performed.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the mediation computer functions so as to transmit a request signal from the mediation module to the terminal device. Is determined to be a mediation module to be connected, by establishing an information transmission enabled state with the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal, there is no operator operating the terminal device at all. Even in this case, information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device or the like connected to the terminal device.

Therefore, even if the operator is absent at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as control of the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto from the mediation module is performed. It becomes possible.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module transmitting the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined that there is a terminal computer, the terminal computer functions so as to establish an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, and there is no operator who operates the terminal device at the terminal device side. Even in this case, information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device connected to the terminal device.

Therefore, even if the operator is absent at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as controlling the terminal device and the information processing device connected to the terminal device from the mediation module can be performed. It becomes possible.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the mediation computer functions to transmit the request signal from the mediation module to the terminal device. Is determined to be a mediation module to be connected, by establishing an information transmission enabled state with the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal, there is no operator operating the terminal device at all. Even in this case, information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device or the like connected to the terminal device.

Therefore, even when the operator is not present at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as controlling the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto from the mediation module can be performed. It becomes possible.

According to the twentieth aspect, the request signal is transmitted from the mediation module to the terminal device, and the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal in the terminal device is the mediation module to which the terminal device is to be connected. When it is determined that there is a terminal computer, the terminal computer functions so as to establish an information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal, and there is no operator who operates the terminal device at the terminal device side. Even in this case, information can be transmitted between the terminal device and an information processing device connected to the terminal device.

Therefore, even when the operator is not present at the place where the terminal device is installed, processing such as controlling the terminal device and the information processing device connected thereto from the mediation module is performed. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an initial registration process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of an automatic connection process according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic connection process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of an automatic reservation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic reservation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed in the automatic reservation process according to the embodiment, where (a) is an example of a screen (I);
(B) is a screen example (II), and (c) is a screen example (III).
It is.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic distribution process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic update process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a failure diagnosis process according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Line interface 2 ... CPU 3 ... Memory 4 ... ROM 5 ... Control part 6 ... Input part 7 ... Program storage part 8 ... Hard disk drive 9 ... Display part 10 ... External interface part 11 ... Bus S ... Network system MB ... Mobile phone Terminal PC ... PC L ... Phone line SL ... Dedicated line ISP ... Internet provider IS ... Internet server IN ... Internet LS ... Intermediary server HW ... House T ... Connection terminal AV1, AV2 ... AV equipment IL ... Serial bus FW ... Firewall section MS ... Management server G1 ... Selection screen G2 ... Status display screen G3 ... Result display screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akihiro Tozaki 4-2610 Hanazono, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama Prefecture Pioneer Corporation Tokorozawa Plant (72) Inventor Masao Higuchi 4-2610 Hanazono, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama Pioneer Shares Inside Tokorozawa Plant (72) Inventor Ryuichiro Morioka 4-2610 Hanazono, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture Pioneer Corporation Inside Tokorozawa Plant F-term (reference) 5B085 BC00 BG07 5B089 GA11 GB01 HB18 KB04 5K030 GA11 HB06 HC01 JT02 LB02 MA06 MB01 MC09

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A network system including an intermediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and intermediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, wherein the intermediation module includes the terminal device Request signal transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device a request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module. The terminal device further comprises: a receiving unit that receives the transmitted request signal; and the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal based on the identification information included in the received request signal. Judgment to judge whether the terminal device that has received the request signal is an intermediary module to be connected And, when the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal is determined by the determination unit to be the mediation module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal should be connected, the request signal has been transmitted. Establishing means for establishing the information transmission enabled state with the mediation module. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the mediation module comprises: a terminal device other than the terminal device; and the terminal device to be connected to the network via the mediation module. When a request for connection is made from the other terminal device via the network, whether or not the other terminal device is another terminal device to be properly connected to the mediation module is identified. When the information transmission enabled state is established between the mediation module and the terminal device, a connection unit that connects the terminal device and the other terminal device; When the signal transmission means is identified by the identification means as the other terminal device is another terminal device to be properly connected to the mediation module, Network system, characterized in that to establish the information transmission state and outputs a serial request signal to the terminal device. 3. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the other terminal device is another terminal device for remotely operating an information processing device connected to the terminal device. A network device for executing a remote control process when the terminal device is connected to the terminal device by the connection means. 4. The network system according to claim 3, wherein the information processing device is an information recording device that records information on a recording medium, and the other terminal device records the information in the information recording device. A network system for executing the remote operation for at least setting a time at which a process is started. 5. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the mediation module is configured to accumulate distribution information to be distributed to the terminal device, and the information transmission between the terminal device and the mediation module. After the possible state is established, a determination unit that determines whether or not the terminal device is in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed based on a status signal transmitted from the terminal device, A distribution unit that distributes the distribution information when it is determined that the distribution information can be distributed, and the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device can receive the distribution information. A status signal transmitting unit that transmits the status signal indicating whether the distribution information is transmitted to the mediation module; and a distribution information receiving unit that receives the distributed distribution information. Network system 6. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the mediation module stores update information for updating a function of an information processing device connected to the terminal device; After the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, the terminal device further includes: an update information transmitting unit configured to transmit the update information to the terminal device. A network system, further comprising: an update information receiving unit that receives received update information; and an update unit that updates a function of the information processing apparatus using the received update information. 7. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the mediation module, when a failure signal indicating that an information processing device connected to the terminal device has failed has been transmitted from the terminal device, Fault signal receiving means for receiving the fault signal, after the fault signal is received, and after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, based on the fault signal, And a result signal transmitting unit for diagnosing a failure state of the information processing device and transmitting diagnosis result information to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device transmits the failure signal indicating a failure state of the information processing device to the Failure signal transmitting means for transmitting to the relay module; result signal receiving means for receiving the diagnosis result information; and a failure based on the received diagnosis result information. Network system for a failure processing means for executing processing on it and the information processing apparatus, further comprising a said. 8. The mediation module included in the network system according to claim 1, wherein the mediation module includes at least the request signal transmission unit. 9. The terminal device included in the network system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the terminal device includes at least the receiving unit, the determining unit, and the establishing unit. Characteristic terminal device. 10. A network operation method executed in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, A request signal for requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module to the terminal device An intermediary method executed in the intermediation module including a transmitting step, a receiving step of receiving the transmitted request signal, and a request signal based on the identification information included in the received request signal. The terminal device that has received the request signal from the transmitting mediation module should be connected A judging step of judging whether or not it is an intermediary module, and judging by the judging means that the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal is an intermediary module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal is to be connected An establishment step of establishing the information transmission enabled state with the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal when the request processing is performed. Network operation method to be. 11. The network operation method according to claim 10, wherein the mediation method comprises: a terminal device other than the terminal device; the terminal device to be connected to the network via the mediation module; When a request for connecting the other terminal device is made from the other terminal device via the network, it is determined whether the other terminal device is another terminal device to be properly connected to the mediation module. Identification step, and when the information transmission enabled state is established between the mediation module and the terminal apparatus, further comprising: a connection step of connecting the terminal apparatus and the other terminal apparatus; and In the request signal transmitting step, it is determined that the other terminal device is properly identified in the identification step as another terminal device to be connected to the mediation module. , Network operation method for causing the request signal to establish said information transmission state is output to the terminal device. 12. The network operation method according to claim 11, wherein the other terminal device is another terminal device for remotely operating an information processing device connected to the terminal device. When another terminal device and the terminal device are connected in the connection step, a process for the remote operation is executed. 13. The network operation method according to claim 12, wherein the information processing device is an information recording device that records information on a recording medium, and the other terminal device is configured to store the information in the information recording device. A network operation method for executing the remote operation for at least setting a time at which a recording process is started. 14. The network operation method according to claim 10, wherein the mediation method includes: a storage step of storing distribution information to be distributed to the terminal device in a storage unit; and a process between the terminal device and the mediation module. After the information transmission possible state is established, a determination step of determining whether or not the terminal device is in a state in which the distribution information can be distributed based on a status signal transmitted from the terminal device, And a distribution step of distributing the distribution information when the terminal device is determined to be in a state capable of distributing the distribution information.The terminal processing method further comprises: A status signal transmitting step of transmitting the status signal indicating whether or not reception is possible to the mediation module; and a distribution information receiving step of receiving the distributed distribution information. A network operation method, characterized in that: 15. The network operation method according to claim 10, wherein the mediation method includes: an update information accumulation step of accumulating update information for updating a function of an information processing device connected to the terminal device; And an update information transmitting step of transmitting the update information to the terminal device after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module.The terminal processing method further includes: A network operation method, further comprising: an update information receiving step of receiving transmitted update information; and an updating step of updating a function of the information processing device using the received update information. 16. The network operation method according to claim 10, wherein the mediation method is performed when a failure signal indicating that an information processing device connected to the terminal device has failed is transmitted from the terminal device. A failure signal receiving step of receiving the failure signal, and after receiving the failure signal, after the information transmission enabled state is established between the terminal device and the mediation module, based on the failure signal A result signal transmitting step of diagnosing a failure state of the information processing device and transmitting diagnosis result information to the terminal device, wherein the terminal processing method further comprises: the failure signal indicating a failure state of the information processing device. A failure signal transmitting step of transmitting the diagnosis result information to the mediation module; a result signal receiving step of receiving the diagnosis result information; and a failure based on the received diagnosis result information. Network operation method characterized by comprising a failure processing step of performing processing on it and the information processing apparatus, further. 17. An intermediary computer included in the intermediation module in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device. A request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, and transmitting a request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module to the terminal device. An information recording medium on which an intermediary program is recorded so as to be readable by the intermediary computer, the information recording medium functioning as request signal transmitting means. 18. A network system including an intermediary module interposed between a network and a terminal device and intermediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, wherein the intermediation module comprises: A network system for transmitting, to the terminal device, a request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module. A receiving unit for receiving the transmitted request signal; a relay module for transmitting the request signal based on the identification information included in the received request signal. Is an intermediary module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal should connect Determining means for determining whether or not, when it is determined that the relay module that has transmitted the request signal by the determination in the determining means is a relay module to which the terminal device that has received the request signal should be connected, An information recording medium in which a terminal processing program is recorded so as to be readable by the terminal computer, wherein the terminal processing program functions as establishing means for establishing the information transmission enabled state with the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal. . 19. An intermediation computer included in the intermediation module in a network system including a mediation module interposed between a network and a terminal device and mediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device. A request signal for requesting the mediation computer to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, and identifying the mediation module. And a request signal transmitting unit that transmits a request signal including the identification information to the terminal device. 20. A network system including an intermediary module interposed between a network and a terminal device and intermediating a connection from the terminal device to the network, and the terminal device, wherein the intermediation module includes: A network system for transmitting, to the terminal device, a request signal requesting to establish an information transmission enabled state between the terminal device and the mediation module, the request signal including identification information for identifying the mediation module. A terminal processing program for causing a terminal computer included in the terminal device to function, wherein the receiving unit receives the transmitted request signal; and the identification included in the received request signal. Based on the information, the mediation module that has transmitted the request signal Determining means for determining whether or not the terminal device that has received the request signal is a relay module to be connected; and the relay module that has transmitted the request signal based on the determination by the determination means receives the request signal. When the terminal device is determined to be an intermediary module to be connected, establishing means for establishing the information transmission enabled state with the intermediary module that has transmitted the request signal. Terminal processing program to do.